How common is easy bruising in acute myeloid leukaemia?

Bruises form when small blood vessels leak under the skin. Bone marrow normally produces platelets, which help blood clot after minor injury. Acute myeloid leukaemia can interfere with normal marrow activity, leaving too few healthy blood cells and making bruises, pinpoint skin spots, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums more noticeable.

Easy bruising has many possible explanations, such as medicines, liver problems, vitamin deficiency, injury, and other blood disorders. It is not a diagnosis on its own. New unexplained bruising deserves a clinician's assessment, especially if it occurs with bleeding, fever, marked tiredness, breathlessness, or repeated infections.

Arrange a prompt medical appointment for new bruising without a clear injury or bruising that is spreading. Bring a list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, and any anticoagulants. Do not stop a prescribed medicine unless the clinician who manages it tells you to.

Until you are assessed, try to avoid activities with a high chance of knocks or cuts. If possible, take clear photographs showing when bruises first appeared and whether they are changing.

Seek urgent medical care for bleeding that will not stop, blood in vomit, urine, or stool, a severe headache after a head injury, fainting, confusion, new weakness, or difficulty breathing. Emergency assessment is also appropriate if unexplained bruising comes with feeling acutely unwell or a high fever.

Ask what blood tests are needed, whether your platelet level or other blood counts may be involved, which medicines could affect bruising, and what symptoms require same-day help.